ARS Montreal Sosse Chapter – Emergency Relief in Times of Pandemic
Emergency Relief in Times of Pandemic
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Montreal Armenian Community Centre and all its related organizations came up with an Emergency Relief Committee. ARS Montreal “Sosse” chapter was also part of this essential initiative and was represented by our chapter’s president Mrs. Houry Zakarian.
Our volunteers took part in several projects aimed to assist with diverse needs for various communities regarding the pandemic.
One initiative was the establishment of an emergency phone number, helping those in distress. Also, a group volunteered to call our members, making sure everyone was safe and healthy and asking whether they needed any kind of assistance.
Another major project was the sewing of masks. We called on our members who were available and able to sew protective masks which we donated to the Glenn hospital. In times where wearing masks is strongly recommended this initiative is very relevant and significant.
Also, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the provincial government of Quebec launched programs providing financial assistance to humanitarian organizations so they can help those in need. In the scope of those programs, Marwah Rizqy, MNA of the electoral district of Saint Laurent, transferred a $2,000 grant to the ARS Montreal “Sosse” chapter. The grant was handed over personally by the MNA to Mrs. Tamar Yaghejian, member of the executive board, while respecting the social distancing. The amount will be used to buy groceries from IGA and Esposito.
The members of the ARS Montreal “Sosse” chapter have already made the necessary purchases, prepared the food boxes and delivered them to the elderly Armenian residents of Manoir Gouin and Manoir Saint-Moritz. There will be also food boxes distributed to the elderly, participants of social services committee’s Hot Meal program, living alone.
On May 7th, 2020, on the premises of the Armenian Community Center, a meeting was held between Mrs. Christine St-Pierre, MNA for the Montreal provincial riding of Acadie, chairperson of ARS Montreal chapter Mrs. Houry Zakarian and Mrs. Tamar Yaghejian, member of its executive board. Mrs. St-Pierre praised the humanitarian aid provided by ARS to those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and offered her support and encouragement by transferring a $2,000 grant.
